Luis Gives Thanks

There's no trophy without a race. Without the value that a trophy should carry it's only a gold statue with no meaning. Watching this last episode has made me smile more than I have before. It's sad because a great season has ended, but it's great because I've gotten to understand my growth since it started.

I've always been the kind of person that enjoys taking risks and everything that happens in between them. That's because I embrace the fact that we only live once and I prefer to regret what I did (which I won't) rather than regret what I didn't do.

This season has been incredible. I moved to a bigger agency that expected everything from me. I went to the end of the world to pitch the most intimidating sellers in New York City without hesitation. I competed with top brokers that have been in the game three times longer than I have. I sold some listings, I lost some. At times, I lost the respect of many, but I won them back in the end. I tried everything there was to try. All of this with only one goal, and that is to become the best person I can be while enjoying the ride. That's how I manage to become successful, but most importantly, genuinely happy.

This year I was fortunate to have met Fredrik Eklund and Ryan Serhant. Two gentlemen that are, in their own kind of way and with different reasons, the most competitive individuals I have ever met. When I say fortunate, it is because it's only these kind of people that will, in the end, bring out the best from you. We all go after the same clients and listings and we won't sleep until we get them. For me it's not business, it's personal. It's personal because we want to prove to ourselves that by strongly believing in everything we are, we will be able to make anything happen and take everything to the finish line. That's drive.

It's a little scary because I just feel that this is only the beginning between the three of us. However, I'm happy because I know that in the end, which I don't know when that will be, we will have nothing but respect and admiration from one another. But for now let's just keep fighting.

On a personal note, I have learned many things throughout the season. I noticed that I curse more than Ari Gold on steroids but, don't worry, I needed to get it all out first, see myself afterwards, and then stop with a reason. I've learned that emotions should stay out at the door when it comes to business. I have also learned that passion and energy are only 50 percent of the battle and that the rest lies in dedication to achieve knowledge and professionalism and that with both you can then achieve greatness. But the most important lesson I have learned is that I should always enjoy the fight of life, while remaining true to who I am -- because in the end myself is all I have.

I would do this season 10 times over and the biggest reason for that is that there's no better feeling than to have shared my adventure and growth with all of you. Yes, you. What a better gift than to share your life with the world and have everyone embrace, love, hate, dislike, support, debate, comment, ignore, and evolve with it. Because I'm not the only one learning, so are you! I hope in 30 years from now we can all look back and smile. I will be smiling with you.

As I evolve and become more mature one thing will never change, I will always be a dedicated, passionate, hungry, full of fierce, ambitious man who's looking to go to the end of the universe and will do whatever it takes to do so.

Before I go home and celebrate this great ending of a Season 2, I must thank the people that gave me the opportunity to be here.

1. Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey (Executive Producers): Thank you for taking the chance with me and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing show. I will never forget that.

2. Danielle King and Megan Estrada (Executive Producers): You have followed me with your cameras for an entire season and I must say it was an incredible experience that I'll never forget. Thank you both for believing in me and for not filming me while I was taking a shower. I love you both with everything I have and will do this again forever.

3. Andy Cohen: For the little time I've met you, I have to say you are a true gentleman and a strong believer in great things. Thank you. See you tonight on Watch What Happens Live.

4. Papi y Mami: You gave me life and education. You gave me the passion and eagerness to enjoy my life. Thank you for being the best parents in the world.

5. Daniel (my brother): Daniel, you mean the world to me. Your happiness is my happiness. We have been together even nine months before we were born. We have fought and bled together for where and who we are. You are the reason I work so hard, because in the end I want you to learn from it and take it with you on your own path. I love you hermano!

World (everyone): Let's dance. I love you all.

And with the season officially coming to an end, I still want to share all of my experiences with the world. You can follow me and my journey on:

Instagram: Instagram.com/Luisdortiz
Facebook: Facebook.com/MillionDollarLuis
Twitter: @Luisdortiz
Website: LuisDOrtiz.com